It’s funny, I did not know that there was a summer decluttering bug, but I have definately caught it. I am emptying my desk to get it ready to be PT’s place for school work — he (like another Peter I know, coincidently) works well in a room of his own where he can focus on his projects without me hovering or siblings distracting. However, I also know that I need order in my life and in my brain much... Read more

I’m just entering my 3rd trimester and the nesting instinct has kicked my lazy butt into high gear. I’m cleaning, rearranging, and in every way trying to clear things out of my house that cause clutter and affect my peace. And this brings me to the train table… In November the mother of a friend offered us a hand-me-down train table for our boys. At the time, Charlie had a limited number of trains and tracks, but played with them... Read more

Blinds drawn ’til eight, I can scarcely believe itMom slept through the night with nary a fitTen hours of sleep… continuous!A feat that’s truly and really stupendous. One preschooler, one toddler, one small prego bellyThis is a rare sleep-beneficial combination, woah nelly!Soon I will enter the dreaded 3rd trimesterLess sleep I will get than a college semester So I pause here today and I render thanksA blink of my lifespan to arise with no cranks. Read more

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine. O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law. Here’s hoping you have a WONDERFUL day of celebration... Read more

This is a link to a New York Times article which I thought that it was worthing knowing/thinking/praying about. Read more

Okay, so I know that we have closed the comments on the modesty/jumper issue, and I am not re-opening the debate here. I am a Land’s End (on sale) shopper for most of my everyday clothing, and (like B-Mama) I like to save up and splurge for special occasion wear (I have a great go-to suit from Ann Taylor, it looks great, fits well and I have worn it so many times it has more than justified the price). However,... Read more

After I ran over a curb at the bank, Dash said excitedly: “Mommy, are we off-roading?!?” After I (exasperatedly) asked Dash what he was doing as he hacked away at a golf ball in the flower bed he exclaimed, “What! I’m using my sand wedge!”He thought I was criticizing his club choice 🙂 Read more

Red posted last week on her families berry picking adventure. The Incredible family did the same as well and we just finished making a batch of homemade blackberry jam this morning. Like Red, I think great books are a must to go with most family activities! Since many people enjoy berry picking over the 4th of July weekend, here are a few posts I ran across with some of our favorite berry books: Strawberry books at Melissa Wiley’s blog (at... Read more

One comment on my previous post, “Bikini Builders,” asked me to explain the following statement: “Overall, my appearance is important to me, as I believe a put-together and at least somewhat stylish mode of dress is an important part of my witness as a Christian wife and mother.” I realize that there are a number of Christians who do not agree with me. The prominence of the one-size-fits-all jean jumper and floral print prairie dress in church circles are evidence... Read more

Ladies, once again I am asking for your expert opinion on a Monday morning! I am looking for a Catholic women’s Bible study for the mother’s group at our church, which will meet a total of 10 times over the course of the school year. Last year we did a Christian study called “Effective Parenting in a Defective World,” and it was a hit because there was no preparation involved, so moms felt like they could show up even if... Read more